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Run for Joel 2025: Hundreds of runners attend poignant 10th-anniversary colour run at Sandwell Valley Country Park to raise money in support of victims and terrorism

Hundreds of people have been splashed with colour as they took part in an emotional 10th-anniversary running event to raise money for victims of murder and terrorism.

By Daniel Walton
Published

The annual Run For Joel 2025 colour run event returned to Sandwell Valley Country Park, in West Bromwich, on Sunday, bringing almost 400 runners and charitable minds together to raise money in support of the victims of murder and terrorism attacks. 

The event was organised by the 'Smile for Joel' foundation, a charity founded by Suzanne Richards, who lost her son, Joel, father, Pat and brother, Ade, in the 2015 Tunisia terrorist attack that killed 38 people, 30 of whom were British citizens.

Almost 400 people took part in the colour run event to raise money and remember those lost
Almost 400 people took part in the colour run event to raise money and remember those lost

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The colour blast run is one of a number of Smile for Joel events that take place throughout the year, with thousands of pounds being raised in support of the group's cause. 

The event was organised by Suzanne Richards, who lost her son, brother and father in the terrorist attack.
The event was organised by Suzanne Richards, who lost her son, brother and father in the terrorist attack.

This year's run also marks the 10th year anniversary since the tragic attack, with hundreds of people taking place in today's event to raise money for the group and remember those lost. 

Talking about the run, Suzanne Richards, co-founder of Smile For Joel with her son Owen, said: "It has been an amazing community day.

The event was made even more poignant by the 10th year anniversary, however Suzanne said it's all about bringing the community together
The event was made even more poignant by the 10th year anniversary, however Suzanne said it's all about bringing the community together

"We have had almost 400 people, young and old, come for the run. The children really enjoyed the powdered paints, and we had music and games and amazing food. It's been a real community day."

Susanne said that the run was made extra poignant by the anniversary of the attack, however, the focus remained on bringing the community together in honour of those who lost their lives. 

Runners young and old took part in the colour run, raising money for victims of murder and terrorism
Runners young and old took part in the colour run, raising money for victims of murder and terrorism

She said: "It was a very special day today. Our focus was bringing everyone together to help remember why we do this, to help raise money for families that need it, but also to raise awareness and bring the community together. 

"I always said that if Joel had survived, it would have been him doing these fundraiser days. This is what Joel, Pat and Ade were like, they would have been doing this instead."

While being a poignant day, the event also gave a chance for everyone to come together as a community
While being a poignant day, the event also gave a chance for everyone to come together as a community
There was a little splash of colour everywhere at the race
There was a little splash of colour everywhere at the race
Vibrant colours helped to mark the occasion
Vibrant colours helped to mark the occasion
Everyone was getting involved in the lovely community day
Everyone was getting involved in the lovely community day
Suzanne said that everyone loves colour powder each year
Suzanne said that everyone loves colour powder each year
Even our four legged friends were getting involved
Even our four legged friends were getting involved
The event also included music, dancing and plenty of food
The event also included music, dancing and plenty of food
The event was a chance for the community to come together as one
The event was a chance for the community to come together as one
The run returned this year bigger and better than ever
The run returned this year bigger and better than ever
Suzanne Richards presented a trophy to the 5k winner, Solomon Clarke
Suzanne Richards presented a trophy to the 5k winner, Solomon Clarke

Susanne said that she is now looking for sponsors for the 2026 colour run event, asking businesses who are interested to visit their charity website. 

For more information on ways to donate or sponsor the Smile for Joel charity, visit the group's website.